Thomas Alan Tyler, 85
Thomas Alan Tyler of Rhodes Point, Smith Island and Crisfield, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury.
Born in Crisfield on June 13, 1935 and raised on Smith Island, he was the son of the late William Asbury and Rachael Cordelia Evans Tyler.
Although his education concluded at grade 7, he had aspirations of accomplishments like that of a college graduate. Alan started his career working on the water alongside his father and eventually went out on his own. In the late 1960's he had an outboard motor shop and a grocery store on the island and in the early 1970's he worked for the MD Department of Natural Resources planting oyster spats and owned two seed boats: "Estelle Leonard" and "Todd Bros." In 1974 he started the school boat charter aboard the "Betty Jo", and later the "Chelsea Lane". He started his series of tour boat services in 1974 on the "Captain Tyler", then in 1985 on the paddlewheel vessel "Captain Tyler, II", and bought the "Twister" in 2004. In addition, he acquired Smith Island Oil in 1981 and has been a restaurant and gift shop owner since the late 1970's starting with the Bayside Inn on the island, and in Crisfield he started in the early 1980's with Harborside and the Paddlewheel Motel, The Cove in the early 1990's, and most recently Captain Tyler's Crab House in 2011.
He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church on Rhodes Point and attended Crisfield Church of God. He was also a member of the Chesapeake Masonic Lodge #147 AF&AM.
Alan always kept busy and loved building things. As soon as he stopped one project he was on to another. He also enjoyed riding the strip in Crisfield.
He is survived by his companion of 35 years, Donna Hickman of Crisfield; his children, Alan Wade Tyler of Rhodes Point and Betty Jo Tyler and husband Gladston of Ewell; sister, Pam Tyler of Wildwood, Fla.; and grandchildren, Chelsea Tyler Ford and husband Russell of Westover and Tyler Gladston Tyler of Rhodes Point; and two great-granddaughters, Bristyn and Emmalyn Ford.
A public viewing was held at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home on Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 1-3 p.m. A funeral service for island residents, family, and close friends was on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church on Rhodes Point where a viewing was one hour prior. Rev. Everett Landon officiated and was assisted by Rev. Jim Evans. Interment followed in Calvary United Methodist Church Cemetery. Because of the pandemic and the restrictions in place, a celebration of his life will be planned for a later date and all will be welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Calvary United Methodist Church, c/o Missy Tyler, 3411 Marsh Road, Rhodes Point, MD 21824.
Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, please visit at www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.